What to see at SouthBySouthWest this year
It’s festival futurology time now… We persuaded Pop Montreal creative director Daniel Seligman, Primavera Sound Festival booker Abel Suárez (aka DJ Coco) and I am Sound label co-owner Paul Tao to open their little black books to tell us which bands to see at this year’s SxSW.
Look Vibrant
Seligman: “One of the best new bands in Montreal Super fun, energetic, noisy pop music…”
Dej Loaf
Seligman: “Two of the coolest things in American hiphop right now are Sremmurd Rae and I’ll pick Dej Dej Loaf Loaf cause she’s a better rapper Excited to see her at SX…”
Mild High Club
Seligman: “.. slacker stoner rock meets 70’s California pop He’s releasing stuff on Stones Throw Records It’s pretty trippy and he’s friends with Mac Demarco.”
Oso Leone
Abel Suárez: “We manage this band: they are currently recording a new record and their live shows are completely amazing, We are all sure that this lot are ones to watch, their mix of balearic vibes, electronics and pop have made them one of the most exciting bands in our country. ”
Leon Bridges
Abel Suárez: “A big fan of his songs, the spirit of Sam Cooke is alive and kicking!”
Twerps
Abel Suárez: “Probably my favorite guitar band in ages… They remind me of the best pop bands from the Antipodes. The Clean, The Chills, The Go Betweens … but with a modern twist.”
Vérité
Paul Tao: “One of the more promising of the next wave of young female pop stars with indie roots. Her songs are incredible but I’m really curious to see how she translates it to a live show.”
Tobias Jesso. Jr
Paul Tao: “Tobias is probably tied with Børns as the most hyped of the “next big thing” stars, so this year’s SxSW is really his moment to shine and blow everyone away with what is hopefully a really extraordinary live show.”